The Roger Dubuis EasyDiver Chronograph has certainly been one of most popular timepieces within the brand’s so-called S.A.W. (”Sports Activity Watch”) collection – and for good reason. Few watches manage as well as the EasyDiver does to hit that sweet spot between really outstanding luxury, stylish design, and sophisticated watchmaking. It’s a potent combination, and Roger Dubuis has succeeded in creating a contemporary haute horlogerie icon that works equally well in casually elegant or more formal situations – at least for those who prefer a wristwatch with some attitude!

As with all Roger Dubuis models, the EasyDiver Chronograph is extremely limited in production per dial variation. As an example, the 46mm rose gold version pictured here will be made in edition of just 28 pieces. While some might say this is nothing but marketing razzle-dazzle, there’s no question that it keeps your watch from ending up on to many other people’s arm – a good thing when you are spending the sort of money that this Roger Dubuis chronograph costs. An exclusive feeling is just one benefit a great watch can impart to its owner, and this one delivers that intangible very well.

One significant difference between the current Roger Dubuis EasyDiver chronograph and the versions which appeared several years ago, is the movement. Unlike earlier models which relied upon a manually wound movement, the current EasyDiver Chronograph (”ChronoExcel”) uses Roger Dubuis’ new self-winding chronograph caliber – the RD 78. Turn the watch over and you can admire this refined example of high-end horology. As is the case with all top-grade chronographs, the combination of intricate mechanics and refined finishing offers the eye lots to admire. The all-important column wheel – an indispensable element in a high-end chronograph movement – is protected beneath a polished cover, a nice touch you don’t see very often. Two particularly interesting features of the RD 78 caliber are the strikingly shaped arched bridge for the balance wheel, and a micro-rotor. This latter element is given real prominence thanks to a pierced and relieved area that keeps the action visible. Between the finely finished chronograph levers, the rapidly pulsating balance and this little rotor spinning on its large jewel, you have quite a stunning example of the watchmaking craft.